Faced with empty wallets, empty bank accounts, empty gas tanks, and a soon empty pantry and refrigerator - sometimes my very soul feels the emptiness that seems to be surrounding me. But I refuse to give in to that emptiness. I refuse to let my heart be empty as well!
Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you knew the offering plate was coming your way?
- looking at the offering plate
- last $20 in hand
- 10 more days ahead until more income will come
- a choice
I knew I wanted to plop that $20 into the offering - to demonstrate to the Lord how much I trust Him with our situation. But hubby knew we needed gas - we needed milk - and will need more than that in the days to come. I sat praying that he would put the $20 in the offering plate but I saw that sad, sweet look in his eyes as he slowly put the $20 back in his wallet. The plate passed - both of our heads hung low.
To be totally honest, I began to feel shame, anger, and embarrassment engulf me. But then a whisper in my ear - a whisper of truth from the Lord: "That offering plate is not meant to be a BURDEN - but a BLESSING."
But Lord, I want to give! How do you give when there is nothing to give?
Then I was reminded that sometimes all we can give is ourselves. I am striving to give ALL of myself to the Lord - give my heart to others - give of my time - give of my talents - give my service to ministry - and give encouragement to others who are suffering financially as we are. There are MANY others out there struggling as we are - some much worse. But, we can make offerings to Him every day in countless ways! It does not always have to be financially.
The offering plate is not meant to be a burden - but a blessing. Even when you can't fill it, you still have much to offer Him!
Prayers for all families in this situation in any time. Also, a gentle reminder that God asks for offerings from our "first fruits", not the last $20 in our pockets. Try giving only on payday weeks and see how God will bless the rest of that paycheck.
Amen, sister! God wants ALL of us, not just our money, and He really does look upon our hearts. There are seasons when we must learn to "receive" as well (a harder lesson than giving, for me, anyway!) Love ya! :)
What a touching, honest entry ~ You are not alone ~ we too are struggling with the same thing.....but God is good. He is faithful. He doesn't want our money. He wants our faithfulness, our trust. You are in my prayers ~ EMichelle
We are a homeschooling family raising 4 boys in Virginia. This blog is mostly about anything relevant to raising boys or homeschooling in general - but every once in a while I can't help but add some nonsense from our daily life.
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Sep. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Corey